Toast the Roast Podcast

67 So you just got engaged... : Allyson Brooks

Host: Julia | Website [https://mountainmeandering.com/about-me] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mountain.meandering/?hl=en] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mountainmeandering/] | Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/mountainmeanderingphotography/] Podcast: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/toasttheroastpodcast/?hl=en] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573775212325] | Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toast-the-roast-podcast/id1798083704] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0TqjoGSNsEIyLjsuDpYahe?si=cd3cf6425c3d4676] Meet the Guest: Allyson | Website [https://www.thesocialeditky.com/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thesocialeditky/] Got a Question or a Wedding Horror Story? Email me at: atoasttotheweddingroast@gmail.com [atoasttotheweddingroast@gmail.com] Summary In this episode, Julia sits down with Ally — the planning powerhouse behind The Social Edit — for a wedding-planning crash course that feels less like a lecture and more like a glass-of-wine chat with your most organized friend. Together, they unpack the real first steps of planning (hint: it’s not picking a color palette; it’s actually enjoying being engaged for five minutes). Ally breaks down how to talk budget without breaking into a cold sweat, why photography deserves a front-row seat in your priorities, and how to have those “so… who’s paying for what?” conversations without wanting to evaporate into thin air. They dive into the art of choosing vendors you actually vibe with, decoding venue contracts (because yes, that tiny line about linen fees matters), and why hiring a coordinator can save your wedding and your sanity. There’s also some honest talk about being a people-pleaser in the industry, the rise of content creators at weddings, and how to stay grounded when the planning process starts to feel like a full-time job. From navigating family dynamics to avoiding last-minute planning chaos, this episode is packed with practical advice, comforting reassurance, and more than a few “ohhhh that makes sense” moments. If you’re newly engaged, mid-planning, or spiraling somewhere in between, consider this your permission slip to breathe — and your cheat sheet for planning a day that actually feels like you. Keywords wedding planning, budget, vendors, photography, wedding coordinator, engagement, wedding tips, wedding advice, wedding budget, wedding vendors, wedding planning, wedding coordinator, venue contracts, decision fatigue, content creation, family photos, wedding timelines, referrals, client availability, wedding oversights

66 Rethinking "his & hers": Sinead Dubeau

Host: Julia | Website [https://mountainmeandering.com/about-me] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mountain.meandering/?hl=en] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mountainmeandering/] | Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/mountainmeanderingphotography/] Podcast: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/toasttheroastpodcast/?hl=en] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573775212325] | Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toast-the-roast-podcast/id1798083704] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0TqjoGSNsEIyLjsuDpYahe?si=cd3cf6425c3d4676] Meet the Guest: Sinead | Website [https://www.sineaddubeau.com] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sineaddubeau/] Got a Question or a Wedding Horror Story? Email me at: atoasttotheweddingroast@gmail.com [atoasttotheweddingroast@gmail.com] Sinead Dubeau, a queer wedding photographer, discusses the importance of inclusivity in the wedding industry. She emphasizes the need for inclusive language and representation for all couples, particularly those from marginalized communities. The discussion covers the evolution of inclusivity conversations, the significance of creating safe spaces, and the challenges vendors face in adopting inclusive practices. Sinead shares personal experiences and insights on how to navigate these issues while ensuring that all couples feel seen and valued in their wedding planning process.

65 Starting over, again: Tia Loryssa

Host: Julia | Website [https://mountainmeandering.com/about-me] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mountain.meandering/?hl=en] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mountainmeandering/] | Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/mountainmeanderingphotography/] Podcast: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/toasttheroastpodcast/?hl=en] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573775212325] | Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toast-the-roast-podcast/id1798083704] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0TqjoGSNsEIyLjsuDpYahe?si=cd3cf6425c3d4676] Meet the Guest: Tia | Website [https://tialoryssaphotography.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadi2qSs6w9UOFWIplAPX12_U5aC4lBkDhQIq7JFmIfnEomD0noWzFDPKsMPzw_aem_BL45Mu3E6ZWN1Ly-6wTzSg] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tialoryssaphotography/] Got a Question or a Wedding Horror Story? Email me at: atoasttotheweddingroast@gmail.com [atoasttotheweddingroast@gmail.com] In this episode of Toast the Roast, Julia and Tia discuss the challenges and triumphs of relocating a business. Tia shares her personal journey of moving from Ontario to a small town, emphasizing the importance of mindset, community building, and effective marketing strategies in a new location. They explore the emotional aspects of starting over, the significance of networking, and the potential for personal and professional growth that comes with embracing change. Tia offers valuable advice for those considering a move, highlighting the need to take risks and remain open to new opportunities.

64 From 9-to-5 to ‘I do’ : Martina Asgari-Majd

Host: Julia | Website [https://mountainmeandering.com/about-me] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mountain.meandering/?hl=en] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mountainmeandering/] | Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/mountainmeanderingphotography/] Podcast: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/toasttheroastpodcast/?hl=en] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573775212325] | Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toast-the-roast-podcast/id1798083704] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0TqjoGSNsEIyLjsuDpYahe?si=cd3cf6425c3d4676] Meet the Guest: Martina | Website [https://www.parisasocial.com] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/parisasocialevents/] Got a Question or a Wedding Horror Story? Email me at: atoasttotheweddingroast@gmail.com [atoasttotheweddingroast@gmail.com] Martina Asgari-Majd, with Parisa Social Events, shares her journey from the corporate fashion world to becoming a successful wedding planner. Martina discusses the pivotal moments that led her to pursue event production, the challenges of freelancing, and the importance of marketing oneself in the industry. She also offers valuable advice for aspiring wedding planners, emphasizing the significance of networking and utilizing social media platforms for success.

63 For butter or worse: Kellie Barclay

Host: Julia | Website [https://mountainmeandering.com/about-me] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mountain.meandering/?hl=en] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mountainmeandering/] | Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/mountainmeanderingphotography/] Podcast: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/toasttheroastpodcast/?hl=en] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573775212325] | Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toast-the-roast-podcast/id1798083704] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0TqjoGSNsEIyLjsuDpYahe?si=cd3cf6425c3d4676] Meet the Guest: Kellie | Website [https://www.fancythatcake.ca] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fancythatcake/] Got a Question or a Wedding Horror Story? Email me at: atoasttotheweddingroast@gmail.com [atoasttotheweddingroast@gmail.com] In this episode of Toast the Roast, Kellie from Fancy That Cake shares her journey into the world of wedding cakes, discussing everything from pricing and serving sizes to the art of decoration and the importance of communication with couples. She emphasizes the challenges of the wedding industry, the trends she loves and dislikes, and offers valuable advice for couples planning their big day. The conversation is filled with insights into the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating the perfect wedding cake, as well as the importance of understanding the costs associated with wedding desserts.